CHARLOTTETOWN - The Island Storm announced Friday the signing of Leon Gibson, a former NCAA Division I standout with the University of Houston Cougars.

The six-foot-nine forward snared the attention of Storm coach Joe Salerno after receiving a player of the week honours in Los Angeles’ Drew League, where he scored 32 points and 15 rebounds in a game.

“He has great size and athleticism and plays with a bit of an edge,” said Salerno.

Gibson credits his strength to University of Houston coach James Dickey.

“He was the one that put me on weights and helped me develop physically and get stronger.”

Salerno is expecting big things from Gibson this year, after he put up tremendous numbers in Mexico’s top league last season. As a starter in 47 games, he averaged 16.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game on 57 per cent shooting.

“He has a nose for the basketball and works extremely hard on the glass. He was a big signing for us this offseason.”

Leadership is an important quality that Gibson plans to bring to the Storm.

“I’m going to bring my physicality and rebounding and will be a leader for the Storm this year.”

With a winning mindset, Gibson made it clear he will be competing for nothing short of a championship.

“I’m always going to try and win. For me a championship is always the goal.”

Gibson has made it clear he is excited for the opportunity to play this year and he is ready to get to work.

“I’m thankful to the coaches for this opportunity. I hope the fan support is big this year because I don’t plan to ever lose on our home court.”